“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as He has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” // 2 Cor.9:6-7

To better understand Christian giving, please listen to the most current sermons on giving below.

Christian giving is a part of Christian worship. Unlike the old testament, where tithes and giving were mandatory under the Mosaic law. In the new testament church, we enjoy the freedom from the law through the precious gift of Jesus Christ (Rom 6:23).

Giving is voluntary and a free will act of worship. We call it worship because it is to be done from the heart with gladness based on the goodness and trustworthiness of God, and not under compulsion or obligation. Paul, writing to the Corinthian church about giving said, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as He has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”(2 Cor.9:6-7)

Therefore, Christian giving is a matter of the heart. God is always and above all concerned about our heart, and that our priorities are right. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:21)

For many, money can and has become a God, ruling their lives. But as Christians we believe and claim Jesus to be the greatest of treasures and through giving we show our trust in God’s ability to provide and proclaim God’s lordship over our lives (Luke 12:13-34).

God doesn’t need our money, and ultimately it’s all His anyway. As Christians, we recognize that God owns everything, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world and all those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). “…What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor. 4:7)

So, first, giving is a freewill act of worship. It shows where we place our trust and who is our Lord. It is a way by which we recognize that everything belongs to God. Secondly, it’s practical for ministry. By pooling resources, we can often do more in ministry, it’s not giving to the church, but rather giving through the church.

Finally, there are 2 reasons that we do not pass a plate around, but rather simply provide an offering box by the door. First, giving is a heart issue between you and God (2 Cor. 9:7) and is to be done in private (Matt.6:1-4). Second, it is out of consideration for our guests. We want everyone visiting to be able to come in and check us out, without feeling that they need to give or that they are put on the spot as an offering plate goes by. Giving is not our main focus, Jesus is. And we don’t want to place any distractions between people and Jesus. Yet, at the same time, we recognize giving as a part of worship and a practical necessity for the local church to fulfill the ministry needs. So, there is an offering box by the door, or you can give online. God Bless.